What is the initiating event that leads to the development of atherosclerosis?
Injury to the endothelial cells that line the artery walls
Release of the platelet-deprived growth factor
Macrophages adhere to vessel walls
Release of the inflammatory cytokines
The Correct Answer is A
A. Injury to the endothelial cells that line the artery walls: The development of atherosclerosis begins with damage to the endothelial cells of the arterial wall. This injury can be caused by various factors, including hypertension, smoking, high cholesterol, and diabetes. Once the endothelium is injured, it becomes more permeable, allowing lipids and inflammatory cells to penetrate and accumulate, leading to the formation of atherosclerotic plaques.
B. Release of the platelet-derived growth factor: While platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) plays a role in the proliferation of smooth muscle cells and the progression of atherosclerosis, it is not the initiating event. PDGF is released in response to endothelial injury and inflammation but does not cause the initial damage itself.
C. Macrophages adhere to vessel walls: The adherence of macrophages to the vessel walls occurs after the initial endothelial injury. Once the endothelium is damaged, macrophages migrate to the site and contribute to the inflammatory response and plaque formation, but this is not the initiating event.
D. Release of inflammatory cytokines: Inflammatory cytokines are part of the response that follows endothelial injury and play a role in the progression of atherosclerosis. However, the release of these cytokines is a consequence of the initial injury rather than the initiating event.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Controlling the blood pressure: Controlling blood pressure is crucial for reducing the risk of developing coronary artery disease (CAD). Even with a normal lipid panel, hypertension can significantly contribute to cardiovascular risk, and managing blood pressure helps protect against the development of CAD.
B. Moderate alcohol use: While moderate alcohol consumption may have some potential benefits for heart health, it is not a primary risk factor reduction strategy. The focus should be on more impactful lifestyle changes, particularly for individuals with normal lipid levels.
C. Eating a low-fat diet: Although a balanced diet is important for overall health, a low-fat diet specifically is not necessary for everyone, especially those with normal lipid levels. The emphasis should be on a heart-healthy diet that includes healthy fats, such as those from fish, nuts, and olive oil, rather than simply reducing fat intake.
D. Avoiding air pollution: Avoiding air pollution can have health benefits, but it is not a primary strategy for individuals seeking to reduce the risk of CAD. Addressing more direct risk factors, such as blood pressure management, is more critical in this context.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Carotid wall thinness: Carotid wall thinness is not considered a nontraditional risk factor for coronary artery disease (CAD). Traditional risk factors for CAD include age, gender, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and smoking, while carotid wall thickness (rather than thinness) is often used as a marker for atherosclerosis and cardiovascular risk.
B. Chronic kidney disease: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is recognized as a nontraditional risk factor for coronary artery disease. It is associated with increased cardiovascular risk due to factors like inflammation, mineral metabolism disorders, and increased vascular stiffness.
C. Coronary artery calcification: Coronary artery calcification is considered a nontraditional risk factor for CAD. It reflects the presence of atherosclerosis and is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events.
D. Markers of inflammation, ischemia, and thrombosis: Markers of inflammation (such as C-reactive protein), ischemia, and thrombosis (such as fibrinogen and D-dimer) are nontraditional risk factors for coronary artery disease. Elevated levels of these markers indicate increased cardiovascular risk and are used in risk stratification.
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